Comments on: Review: Talking about Jane Austen in Baghdad, Bee Rowlatt and May Witwit

By: valerie Hedges

valerie Hedges — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:51:57 +0000

The true story of May Witwit my childhood neighbour and school friend while she lived in the Uk as a child, now an Iraqi Academic, her survival in Iraq and journey to safety in the UK via her email friendship with a BBC journalist
•How to survive life in a war zone… leaving earlier to go to work in order to get through the checkpoints …But still going to work!!
•What to do when doing your hair and the electricity goes off…Go to work half curly and half straight!
•How to encourage kids to still study during chaos…. show them its business as usual, lessons give a touch of normality…

The story we didn’t hear in the news, of ordinary daily life during the Iraq war as told by an Iraqi

It isn’t often that two 51 year old women who were neighbours and school friends aged 11 meet up again in London on a sunny May afternoon after almost 40 years, and when one asks the other “What have you been doing, what has happened to you…?” She knows that it is a daft question really and the answer is too harrowing to imagine for the answer lies in the reply “Read my book!”
I owe more than I can possibly express to Bee Rowlatt,thanks to her courage, daring and friendship my childhood friend is safe in the Uk, and I have met her again after forty years. An inspiring book that will move the reader to tears in its accounts of courage and put lots of troubles in perspective

By: purpledays

purpledays — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:08:50 +0000

I have to admit I bought this book as it had Jane Austen in the title. I started to read it and couldn’t put it down even though I was supposed to be reading another book for this month’s book group (still haven’t finished that one!). The startling contrasts between the lives of the two women were poignant and it made me reflect on what’s a “normal” life.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:28:11 +0000

It sounds great! It seems to involve completely the readers …. Tomorrow i’ m meeting her, bee rowlatt ….. Wish me luck

By: Beth F

Beth F — Thu, 20 May 2010 13:42:50 +0000

Oh wow. This sounds so powerful. If a book affected you so deeply, I think it should go on my must-read stack. .-= Beth F´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday 79 =-.

By: Becky at "One Literature Nut"

Becky at "One Literature Nut" — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:59:42 +0000

This does sound amazing. Stories that connect two unlike people really can be a great way of evaluation your own thoughts and feelings about certain things. Thanks for pointing this book out to us. I hadn't heard of it! .-= Becky at "One Literature Nut"´s last blog ..Review: Forever by Judy Blume =-.

By: bermudaonion (Kathy)

bermudaonion (Kathy) — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:59:41 +0000

It’s funny that they chose that title since it’s not about Jane Austen, but the book sounds like the kind I just love. Thanks for the review.

By: Nymeth

Nymeth — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:47:51 +0000

I couldn't help but notice the derivative title also, but that doesn't really matter - what matters is that this sounds like an incredibly powerful and moving book. And the fact that it's epistolary only makes it more appealing. .-= Nymeth´s last blog ..Illyria by Elizabeth Hand =-.

By: Aarti

Aarti — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:51:38 +0000

Like Jen, I feel this book may have benefited from a better title But if you love it, I’m willing to give it a whirl! I really try to find those books that people feel so passionate about- I know it feels so good when someone takes you up on your suggestion!
.-= Aarti´s last blog ..TSS: NYRB Classics! =-.

By: Jen - Devourer of Books

Jen - Devourer of Books — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:25:11 +0000

Oh, this sounds really good. I was sort of skeptical at first, since the title sounds so derivative of "Reading Lolita in Tehran." .-= Jen - Devourer of Books´s last blog ..Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman – Book Review =-.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:20:37 +0000

Ok, you've convinced me... I have to try this book! It sounds like a really moving and thoughtful read, and the fact that it is written in epistolary form really intrigues me. Going to have to see where I can get a copy!! Thanks for the great review!! .-= zibilee´s last blog ..Winner of Glorious Giveaway! =-.